Chinese rojak features fresh fruits (yes, cucumber is a fruit) and crullers (that’s you tiao in English) tossed in prawn paste, tamarind sauce and peanuts. Indian rojak, on the hand, is an indulgent alternative that consists of crispy deep-fried fritters, such as vadai, and other complements such as potatoes, cuttlefish, tofu and eggs dunked into a rich peanut sauce. The result is an explosion of flavours and textures, all competing to be seen but equally worthy of being savoured. Here are 10 places to get the best Indian rojak in Singapore.
If you’re an Eastie or want to dine in a comfy air-conditioned space, head to Al Mahboob. The brand has been around since 1991 and prides itself on the namesake Indian rojak. Besides that, tuck into a variety of Indian and halal food, including nasi goreng and mee kuah.
Al Mahboob Rojak is at 300 Tampines Ave 5, #01-02 NTUC Income@Tampines Junction, Singapore 529653.
There are two stalls known for Indian rojak at the Ayer Rajah Food Centre. The first is Abdhus Salam, which is now run by the second-generation owner of the same name who took over the reins in 1994. Abdhus Salam was previously at Shenton Way before he moved here and fans continue to follow them for a taste of their Indian rojak.
503 West Coast Drive, Ayer Rajah Food Centre, Singapore 120503
Habib’s Rojak is the other hawker stall in Ayer Rajah Food Centre. With over thirty years of history, the stall is now helmed by the second-generation owner (also of the same name, Habib!) who still insists on handmaking the fritters and sauce daily. And since you’re there already, why not try from both stalls to compare them for yourselves?
Habib’s Rojak is at #01-68 Ayer Rajah Food Centre, 503 West Coast Drive, Singapore 120503.
Nestled within the food mecca of Tekka Centre in Little India, you know Haji Johan’s Indian rojak is good if it can compete against such stiff competition. The stall is helmed by third-generation owner Mohd Hafiz who prepares his grandfather’s recipe in the wee hours of the early morning.
Haji Johan Indian Muslim Food is at 665 Buffalo Road, #01-254 Tekka Centre, Singapore 210665
Adam’s Indian Rojak is located in Adam Food Centre along Adam Road. Easy to remember, right? The hawker stall has been around since 2005 and touts itself to be the “One & Only Best In Town”. Only your tastebuds can determine if that is true.
Adam’s Indian Rojak is at #01-05 Adam Food Centre, 2 Adam Road, Singapore 289876.
Siraj Indian Food can trace its origins to the hawkers that used to line Waterloo street, which was then known for its Indian food offerings. Now, Sabeek is the second-generation owner of Siraj Indian Food, who continues the recipe from his grandfather at his stall in Albert Centre.
Siraj Indian Food is at #01-120, Albert Centre, 270 Queen St, Singapore 180270
Simply named, it isn’t difficult to discern what the star dishes at this Geylang Serai hawker stall are. And it is this focus that makes devotees return time and time again for a taste of crispy, moreish rojak dunked in a hearty peanut sauce.
Rojak & Mee Siam is at #02-126 Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre, 1 Geylang Serai, Singapore 402001.
A place for the Westies, come in the afternoons as that is when Mohamadia starts selling its Indian rojak. In the mornings, the stall sells crispy prata while the afternoons are accompanied by chicken and mutton biryani.
Mohamadia (Indian Muslim Food) is at #01-75 Clementi Food Centre, 353 Clementi Ave 2, Singapore 120353.
Adjacent to Eunos MRT, Mohamed Baruk and his wife has been running his hawker stall for over 20 years. The couple continues to pull crowds with their family recipes on their Indian rojak, prata, mee goreng, mutton soup and more.
S.J Sickander Ammal Muslim Foods is at #01-05 Eunos Crescent Market & Food Centre, Blk 4A Eunos Crescent, Singapore 402004.
Within walking distance from Kaki Bukit MRT, SA Deen is said to be headed by the fourth-generation owners who still steadfastly create its popular Indian rojak. Besides that, the stall is also known for other dishes, including mee goreng, nasi goreng, prata and biryani.
SA Deen Indian Muslim Food Stall is at 151 Bedok Reservoir Road, Singapore 470151.